Gewessler Calls on Federal Government to Take Action on Women's Policy

The Greens' lead candidate also addressed the issue of water consumption. When asked who currently uses the most water in Austria, Gewessler admitted that she did not know exactly. She stressed, however, that in her assessment it was primarily companies.

In addition to the ÖVP, Gewessler also addressed the other parties represented in the National Council. She criticized the FPÖ and accused the other parliamentary groups of not acting decisively enough on key issues of the future. Specific allegations related, among other things, to the handling of highway projects and resource policy.

Water Consumption and Resource Policy

Resource consumption in general was also the focus of the press conference. Gewessler argued that an ecological transition could only succeed if water consumption were more closely monitored and distributed more equitably between private households and industry. She announced further initiatives by her party in this area.

In connection with the debate on care and civilian service, Gewessler also commented on ongoing reform discussions. She called for better pay and modern framework conditions for civilian servicemen, who, in her view, are an important pillar of the social system.

Other Topics: Civilian Service and Agriculture

City Councillor for Economic Affairs Peter Hanke, who had also attracted attention in recent days with statements on Viennese economic policy, was not directly mentioned by Gewessler. Observers nevertheless interpreted her statement as part of a broader Greens strategy to position themselves as a reform force ahead of the next National Council election.

Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig was also the subject of indirect criticism. Gewessler complained that the government was doing too little on sustainable agriculture. She called for binding standards for more environmentally friendly production and greater transparency in the use of subsidies.

Position on Migration and EU External Borders

Another topic was the situation at the EU's external border, particularly in Ceuta, where tougher migration controls had recently been discussed. Gewessler spoke out against outsourcing migration policy to third countries and called instead for European solutions.

At the close of the press conference, Gewessler reiterated that the Greens would go into the upcoming elections as the driving force for environmental, women's, and social policy. She called on voters to use their vote for a "Politik mit Weitblick", as she put it.

Reactions from the other parties were initially slow in coming. From the ÖVP it was merely said that the proposals would be "prüfen". The FPÖ dismissed the criticism as a "wahlkampftaktisches Manöver".